That morning...*

I arrived at the auditorium at 7:30, ninety minutes before the competition began. The building was already buzzing with nervous energy: competitors setting up laptops, professors checking microphones, the murmur of anticipation filling every corner.

My hands wouldn't stop trembling.

Sophie had wanted to come, but I convinced her to stay home. I needed to do this alone. I needed to prove to myself, more than anyone else, that I could stand on that stage and defend my work without anyone holding my hand.

The main hall was larger than I expected. Rows of seats faced a raised platform with a podium, a projection screen, and a table for the judges. It all felt too formal, too permanent. As if what happened here defined me in ways I couldn't change.

—Emma.

I turned around and saw Professor Hendricks approaching, her face warm and breathing.

—You arrived early.

"I couldn't sleep," I admitted.

-Nervous?

—Terrified.

He squeezed my shoulder.

—That's good. It means you care. But